Saturday, October 15, 2022
HomeHealthWhat Is Salt Therapy For Asthma

What Is Salt Therapy For Asthma

History Of Salt Therapy

How to Get Help in Asthma – Salt Therapy by SaltAir and Asthma Remedy

Salt caves are common in Eastern Europe and a popular site for halotherapy. However, this is less common in the U.S.

In the 1800s, a Polish doctor noticed that salt mine workers had fewer respiratory concerns than other miners. A German doctor also noted respiratory health benefits in people spending time in salt caves.

Salt chambers became popular forms of therapy in the 1950s and 1960s.

Another 5 Asthma Myths

By Lisa Sayer· 16 Jun 2016

Throughout history, there have been many myths about asthma and its treatment. Pleasingly, many of them have been refuted, such as asthma ‘cigarettes’ or asthma being treated as a psychosomatic illness. But there are still plenty of misconceptions that exist. Time for more myth busting!

Does Salt Therapy Really Work

Yes! Patients schedule salt therapy sessions, or halotherapy, to help with a myriad of health concerns and as a complementary treatment for many breathing and skin ailments. Articles and podcasts on the value of salt rooms and a variety of salt therapies have appeared in TimeMagazine, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and ABC News. The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2006 found that halotherapy was an effective complementary treatment for cystic fibrosis.

Don’t Miss: Can Asthma Start Later In Life

What Does A Salt Room Do

A salt room is a special spa-like room with salt-coated walls and floor. It is also called a halochamber . Pharmaceutical-grade salt is pulverized into microscopic particles and pushed into the room by a halogenerator. Patients passively breathe in the salt particles, which travel through the nasal passages into the lungs. This accelerates mucus clearance and improves lung function, while killing harmful bacteria and soothing the respiratory system.

What Is Asthma And What Causes It

Himalayan Pink Salt Therapy Inhaler for Asthma and ...

Asthma is a well-known and highly studied chronic disease that attacks the lungs and causes inflammation and damage to the airways. It is commonly characterized by sudden and, at times, severe episodes of chest tightness, wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing. Asthma is technically an over-reaction of the persons body. Their immune system triggers an inflammatory reaction against an allergen that is so severe that it harms the healthy cells of the body.

There is a wide range of allergens that can cause an asthma attack to occur. Many of the common allergens include irritants such as dust mites, pollens, dander, mold, smoke, cold air, strong odors, and exercise. Even though asthma is a chronic condition with no real cure, there are ways to mage the symptoms and lessen their severity so you can maintain a better quality of life. The most common treatments are corticosteroid inhalers or oral medications. In severe cases, when the lungs are so inflamed you cant take a full breath easily, you may need to be given a nebulizer treatment and be given supplemental oxygen until your symptoms improve.

Recommended Reading: Chihuahuas Cure Asthma

Can Halotherapy Heal Respiratory Ailments

Halotherapy may be a relaxing spa treatment, but there’s little evidence about how well it works, Sonpal says. Most doctors are still skeptical, including myself. The effect that on anxiety and depression is considered to be a placebo effect.

But that’s not to say there’s no promising research on it’s effectiveness. One 2007 study published in the journal Pneumologia showed that dry salt inhalers, used up to 30 minutes each day, five days per week for three months, showed significantly improved symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .

Of course, using an inhaler daily for months is different than sitting for an hour in a “salt cave” but it does raise the question, does salt have the power to heal? And if it does, can we reap the benefits by buying into this wellness tend?

The scientific community isn’t quite sure why salt therapy purportedly helps improve lung conditions, says Dr. Payel Gupta, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association. There are a lot of theories on why this therapy might be helpful, which could be that the salt particles are killing off microorganisms in the lungs, or that the salt is reducing inflammation and decreasing mucus, she says. We do know that salt has anti-inflammatory properties and we have seen this in patients who do nasal salt water rinses with a clean salt solution there have been anti-inflammatory benefits.

What Else Can I Do To Treat Copd

With advancements in medications, lifestyle modifications, assistive devices, and alternative medicine, there is hope for people with lung disease. If you feel that your symptoms are worsened by cold weather, talk with your doctor about options to help you stay active, such as wearing a CT Mask for COPD. Trying various lifestyle modifications and treatment options, such as cellular therapy, could improve your quality of life.

If you or someone you love has COPD , ILD , emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or another chronic lung disorder, call us today at 866-638-4776 and learn more about what our innovative therapy has the potential to do for you.

Our dedicated team of Patient Care Specialists and Board-Certified Medical Providers are standing by to answer all your questions.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read in this article. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

Sep 1, 2021 | COPD, Lung Disease, Treatments, Uncategorized

Recommended Reading: Are Chihuahuas Good For Asthma

But Does Salt Therapy Really Work

If you search the Web for testimonials about salt therapy, whether it’s salt caves, salt pipes, salt solutions you drink, salt lamps or salt nebulizers, you are going to find hundreds, or even thousands, of stories from people who have thrown away their pill bottles, inhalers and had complete relief from all of their symptoms. It’s really quite exciting to read.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, who has appeared on the Oprah TV show and now has his own popular TV show, is reported to have said the salt pipe is one of his most anticipated alternative treatments to try, but I couldn’t find any endorsement or mention of it on his Web site, so I don’t know how accurate that report is.

Russia has apparently approved halotherapy, while the UK’s National Health Service and Asthma UK have not endorsed it. The U.S. FDA has approved the Himalayan salt pipe as a medical device, but that’s not the same thing as saying it actually works.

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2006 suggesting that saline nebulizer therapy was a safe and effective additional treatment for cystic fibrosis patients who had used it for 48 weeks.

Unfortunately, there is a complete lack of scientific studies from reputable sources that prove this therapy works for all the conditions, including allergies, that are claimed. Many of the Web sites selling salt pipe inhalers claim there are studies, but don’t provide links to any of them.

Himalayan Crystal Salt Inhaler

Salt Therapy for Allergies, Snoring, Eczema, Asthma is Great!

The Himalayan Crystal Salt inhaler is a convenient, drug-free tool that is designed to deliver healing salt vapors to the upper respiratory tract.

Breathing through the inhaler draws air across mineral-rich granules of Himalayan Crystal Salt.

The salt vapors help to reduce mucus buildup, moisturize dry mucous membranes, and ease constricted breathing.

The use of salt therapy for respiratory ailments has been around for ages. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, inhaled steam from boiling saltwater and recommended it to others.

I keep my salt inhaler by my bedside and have found it helps with wheezing, coughs, and blocked sinuses.

References

Dont Miss: Inflammatory Mediators In Asthma

Recommended Reading: Weed Asthma Inhaler

How To Use A Salt Pipe

Heres how to use a salt pipe:

  • If your salt inhaler doesnt come prefilled with salt, place salt crystals in the chamber at the bottom of the salt pipe.
  • Breathe through the opening at the top of the salt pipe, slowly drawing the salt-infused air deep into your lungs. Many advocates of salt pipes suggest breathing in through your mouth and out through your nose.
  • Many advocates of salt pipes suggest holding the salt air for 1 or 2 seconds before exhaling and using your salt pipe for 15 minutes each day.
  • Check with your doctor before using a salt pipe or any other salt therapy method.

    Many proponents of salt inhalers suggest the use of Himalayan salt, which they describe as a very pure salt with no pollutants, chemicals, or toxins.

    They also suggest that Himalayan salt has 84 natural minerals found in your body.

    Some advocates of halotherapy suggest using ancient Halite salt crystals from salt caves in Hungary and Transylvania.

    Asthma Uk Community Forum

    I have seasonal asthma which is worse when summer is hot and pollen is high. Im interested to know if sauna or steam rooms help? My local gym has both and someone has recommended I try them.

    With most things in life it depends!

    Some asthmatics say it really helps, others find they are a trigger! Personally I find that I usually feel tight whilst inside but a lot better once a leave , however I very rarely use them.

    Sorry to not be more helpful but best thing to do it try it out. Leave your pump outside jic, and go in. If you find it really triggers you, leave, have your pump and never go back. If you find it helps then its worth doing. Good luck and fingers crossed!

    Absolutely not for me, for either. But thats because it makes my chest worse. I expect for others it does help though.

    Do you have to pay extra for them? If not then I agree with Emma to try! If you do then maybe try at home I really cant do steam rooms but I also find inhaling with steam and even a hot steamy shower difficult. If those are an issue for you too, then maybe steer clear of trying the steam room if you have to fork out for it

    Don’t Miss: What Do You Do When You Have An Asthma Attack

    Is Breathing Salt Air Good For You

    Salt therapy is completely safe. It is also inexpensive and very effective in assisting with common comorbid conditions such as ear and sinus infections. It helps curtail asthma attacks, especially during peak allergy season or after exposure to pollutants . Due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it also improves skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and acne.

    Why Salt Therapy Works For Overall Wellness

    Salt Therapy For Asthma: This Therapy Cleanses Your Lungs ...

    Ions are atoms or molecules that take on an electrical charge. In todays modern and technological world we have too many positive ions and not enough negative ions. Air conditioning, forced-air heat, chemicals and even winds, rob the air of negative ions and put too many positive ions into the air. Heated salt crystals naturally create negative particles, so S.A.L.T. Chambers can have high concentrations of negative particles. Over 40 years of research shows that treatment of negative ions can dramatically increase energy, mental alertness, reduce stress and provide an enhanced overall sense of well-being.

    You May Like: Ways To Stop Wheezing Without An Inhaler

    The Verdict: Salt Caves Are Great For Mental Health

    It’s immediately clear to me why salt caves have been said to alleviate anxiety and depression: Spending an hour in a warm, dimly lit room with the soft sounds of ocean waves piped in through the walls feels amazing. Nothing is required of guests during a salt cave session except to relax and breathe deeply and essentially, you’re taking an hour-long nap. When I left the salt cave , I felt much more relaxed and peaceful than I had been when I entered but likely because of my nap, not the salt. My sinuses, on the other hand, weren’t feeling much better.

    About a day after the session, I noticed that even though my sinuses were still plugged up, I was coughing more and my coughs were actually more phlegmy and productive but it’s still unclear whether it was the salt that did the trick. Participants are asked to drink lots of water before, during and after the session, as they claim the salt has a slightly dehydrating effect, so there’s no way to tell whether salt exposure truly helped loosen up my chest, or whether it had something to do with all the water that I guzzled.

    Saltroom Therapy At Spirocare

    The airways in the lungs change as they come in contact with allergens, in other words, the airways in the lungs become sensitive to certain substances like dust particles, smoke or other allergy causing odors and substances. In children, the symptoms of this disease include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. In adults and seniors also, the symptoms are similar, might vary according to an individual. Doctors have to monitor the disease and keep it in check with regular measures, since the condition might worsen all of a sudden. Doctors generally present the parents, patients and caretakers with a typical response plan. Likewise, daily treatment and pointers to identify the early symptoms of an attack are also given to the patients. It is advised to prevent or at least minimize the exposure to the allergens in the usual settings like home, school and other places. Treatment procedures vary with age and gravity of the disease.

    Halo therapy is the fastest growing supplementary drug free therapy for respiratory problems. Presently there are more than 3500 centers across the world with maximum centers in Europe and American continents.

    COPYRIGHT 2016 Designed LIVELYDIGITAL

    You May Like: Does Chihuahuas Help Asthma

    Isnt Introducing Salt Into The Body Bad For You

    Eating too much salt is linked to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However with salt therapy the salt enters your respiratory system, not your stomach, heart and kidneys. In addition, the concentration of salt is .5-10 mg/m3. To put that into perspective, the daily recommended salt intake for the average adult is 6g . Therefore, the amount of salt entering your respiratory system is extremely low. Even if you eat that amount instead of breathing it, the amount of salt is insignificant. Salt entering the lungs kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and loosens mucus.

    Side Effects Or Risks Of Steam Inhalation

    Halotherapy/Salt therapy, for asthma in kids

    If done right, steam inhalation can be a safe and efficient activity. It can help you fight a cold, a cough, and inflammation. However, if youre not careful, you might end up hurting yourself.

    Its possible to accidentally knock over the hot water vessel or scald yourself by coming into contact with hot water. You can get severely injured if you dont take precautions. Heres how you can avoid burning yourself:

    • Always keep the hot water vessel on a level surface. Make sure the surface is sturdy so that you avoid any accidental spills.
    • Never lean on the vessel or try to shake it.
    • Keep the hot water steam away from pets and children.
    • Dont allow the steam to come into contact with your eyes. Try to direct your eyes away from the steam while keeping them closed.

    As per a study, the majority of individuals who get burns from steam inhalation are children. If your child needs to steam, you must supervise them and instruct them to do so safely. That being said, it is safe to keep your child in a steamy bathroom while running a hot water shower.

    While it is safe to use a vessel at home, opting for a steam inhalation system can be beneficial, as long as you exercise caution.

    Don’t Miss: Does Weight Gain Make Asthma Worse

    Recommended Salt Therapy Treatment For Asthma

    Frequency is the key to your Salt Therapy success with asthma.

    • The best results from Salt Therapy for asthma are achieved with an intensive treatment to start
    • Depending on age 10-30 sessions are recommended for long term results ,
    • This may be 2-3 times or more per week depending on your severity.
    • As your body responds to the treatment and your symptoms reduce, we start dropping down the intensity of the visits, with the goal to find what is the best ongoing maintenance program for your body.

    This will vary from person to person.

    In most patients, after a course of Salt Therapy, airway become normal and symptoms disappear. The treatments efficacy is estimated at 75-98%. Most clients do 1-2 Salt Therapy courses a year. In between they might come back for some top-up sessions.

    What Are The Risks And Benefits Of Wearing The Ct Mask For Copd

    The CT Mask is not for everyone, and some people may feel that the mask restricts their airflow, causing them discomfort. If this happens, stop wearing the mask.

    In addition to lung benefits, Air Guard Medical states that breathing warm air when youre in cold weather helps keep your entire body warmer. The CT Mask should not fog eyeglasses when worn properly. Most outdoor activities can be enjoyed while wearing CT Masks. Before using the mask or changing your activity level, its important to discuss your activities and use of the CT Mask with your doctor. If you and your physician decide that a CT Mask is right for you, we encourage you to check your local stores for availability. The CT Mask is not available for purchase at Centers for Respiratory Health.

    You May Like: How To Improve Your Lungs With Asthma

    Myth: I Know How To Use My Inhaler So I Dont Need To Use A Spacer

    Anyone who takes inhaled asthma medicines should use a spacer whenever it is practical to do so. When using an inhaler on its own, a lot of the medicine ends up in mouth or stomach. This is not where its needed! The holding chamber of a spacer ensures the optimal dose is delivered as a fine mist straight to the lungs. Make sure you also look after your spacer properly to maximise the benefits.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular